© OCHA/Z. Tayeb There are more armed conflicts in the world today than at any time since World War II. The UN Secretary General called for updating global approaches to peacebuilding amid a record number of conflicts Peace and Security
Today’s world is experiencing more armed conflict than at any time since World War II, and geopolitical tensions, deepening inequality, increasing climate shocks, and rapidly advancing unconstrained technology make the work of preventing conflict and restoring peace critically important. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced this on Thursday, speaking at the annual session of the Peacebuilding Commission.
The UN chief recalled that over the two decades of its work, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund have helped dozens of countries emerge from conflicts and strengthen peace institutions. Guterres cited examples of Colombia, where peacebuilding was based on local realities with the active participation of women and youth; the Sahel, where the Commission promoted regional cooperation within the framework of the UN Integrated Strategy; the Central African Republic, where the organization of the first local elections in thirty years was supported; and Liberia, where the Commission helped ensure a smooth transition following the end of a peacekeeping mission. “One of the Commission’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring together representatives from the fields of politics, finance and development,” the Secretary General said. “It is this kind of coordination that makes it possible to turn commitments into real changes on the ground. For many people, this means restoring services and livelihoods, strengthening justice and restoring trust.” The Peacebuilding Fund, according to the Secretary General, remains a key early response tool that takes risks and invests in peace where other institutions cannot or are not prepared to do so. Read also:
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The Secretary-General recalled that last year states unanimously adopted a number of resolutions that determine future directions of work. These include increased engagement with civil society and regional organizations, deepening ties with ECOSOC and the General Assembly, strengthening the Commission’s advisory role to the Security Council, strengthening partnerships with international financial institutions and the private sector, and supporting countries during the transition period after the end of peacekeeping operations. António Guterres noted that the introduction of assessed contributions has strengthened the financial sustainability of the Fund, but voluntary contributions are still needed to ensure so that it can act with the speed and scale needed. “I call on states to renew their commitment to a future free of violence, and to the tools that make such a world possible,” the Secretary General said. “Together we can build lasting peace – everywhere, for everyone.”